Meet the $40 billion Sultan who flies his own jumbo jet... and it comes complete with solid gold and crystal interior

Beyond the diplomatic push for a strategic partnership that India seeks to build with the ASEAN countries, the hosts for the commemorative summit in New Delhi had a colourful surprise in store when a massive Boeing 747 landed at Delhi's Palam technical area on Wednesday.

While the welcoming party comprising RPN Singh, the minister of state for home and officials of the external affairs ministry waited to receive the Sultan of Brunei, a husky voice sought the air traffic controller's clearance for the massive bird to land.

As the controller gave the necessary directions, the jumbo made a smooth landing and taxied to the ceremonial area.

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He was accompanied by his wife Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha. The Sultan bought a brand new Boeing 747 for at least $400 million (Rs 2,182 crore) and had it fitted with a special interior with features such as wash basins of solid gold and Lalique crystal at an additional cost of some $120 million (Rs 654 crore).

The Boeing 747, which the Brunei Sultan flew himself

Boeing 747 is fitted with special interior in solid gold and Lalique crystal

The aircraft is furnished with gold-plated furniture and is believed to be one of the world's most luxurious aircraft.

He also has an Airbus 340, besides six smaller planes and two helicopters. One of the world's longest serving monarchs who assumed the throne in 1967, the Sultan has a personal wealth of $40 billion (Rs 218,200 crore).

He reportedly owns around 6,000 cars. His palace is said to have 1,788 rooms and he has also built mosques with touches of gold and diamonds.